The ScotRail franchise has been branded a "shambles" amid calls for the Scottish Government to end the agreement.

Scottish Labour wants to bring railway services back into public ownership.

Colin Smyth MSP had sought to win backing for ministers to trigger a "break clause" in the franchise agreement in 2020 to terminate the ten-year contract three years before it is due to end in 2025.

However, this move was today rejected by MSPs.

Figures released last month put ScotRail's performance at its lowest level since the franchise began.

Moving the motion, Mr Smyth said: "Under the fragmented, privatised rail system we have today, public transport has become detached from public service.

"Our trains should be essential services, instead they're being used simply as an opportunity for profit by private companies.

"On every key responsibility - from service quality to stock management - this franchise is a shambles.

"Abellio was supposed to be a world leading contract for ScotRail. Instead passengers are suffering from overpriced, overcrowded trains that are frequently cancelled."

The Scottish Government noted that the punctuality and reliability of ScotRail's services had fallen below agreed performance targets.

"It's very important not to lose sight of the significant improvements that ScotRail has already delivered and of the further transformational improvements this contract is on the cusp of delivering for Scotland" said connectivity minister Paul Wheelhouse.

A spokesman for Abellio said: "We welcome the Scottish Parliament vote this afternoon, which supports Abellio's transformational investment in Scotland's railway.

"Challenges remain but Abellio is focused on the job of delivering our £475m investment in new electric and high-speed trains, which will bring major improvements to Scottish passengers, businesses and communities.

"Combined with action to improve infrastructure - the responsibility of Network Rail - we believe we can deliver the best railway Scotland has ever had."